Barbed Sutures

ABSTRACT

A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism for selectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism for operably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. At least one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanism are configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supply mechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb of the barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly. Also provided are a barb for use in forming a barbed suture and a suture including at least one barb.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to barbed sutures and systems and methodsfor forming thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relatesto barbed sutures and systems and methods for affixing barbs on thesuture.

2. Background of Related Art

Barbed sutures are generally made of the same materials as conventionalsutures and offer several advantages for closing wounds compared withconventional sutures. A barbed suture includes an elongate body that hasone or more spaced barbs that project from the surface of the elongatebody along the length of the suture. The barbs are arranged to allowpassage of the barbed suture in one direction through tissue but resistmovement of the barbed suture in the opposite direction. Thus, oneadvantage of barbed sutures has been the provision of a non-slipattribute.

Barbed sutures are known for use in countless procedures. The number ofbarbs called for on a particular suture may be influenced by the type oftissue being sutured, the size of the wound and/or the strength requiredto hold the wound closed. Like a conventional suture, a barbed suturemay be inserted into tissue using a surgical needle.

In some circumstances, a specific configuration of barbs on the exteriorsurface of the suture is preferred to achieve optimal wound closureholding for a particular wound. However, in other circumstances, wherethe wound or tissue repair needed is relatively small, a reduced numberof barbs may be desired. In other circumstances, a two-way orbidirectional barbed suture is desirable where the barbs over a portionof the suture permit passing of the suture in one direction and barbsover another portion of the suture permit passing of the suture in asecond direction to perform a tight closing stitch.

Various methods of forming barbs on sutures have been proposed. Forexample, barbs have been formed using mechanical cutting, laser cutting,injection molding, stamping, extrusion and the like. However, suchmethods may be difficult or costly to achieve the desired result withrespect to getting the arrangement of barbs in a configuration neededfor the appropriate procedure and for doing so in an efficient costeffective manner. These methods may also compromise the integrity of thesuture as each relies on the suture for the material to create the barb.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a system and method offorming barbed sutures that is less difficult, more effective and/oreconomical. There is also a continuing need for methods which are ableto vary the size, the number, the location and/or the depth of thebarbs. It would further be beneficial if the barb is not formed from thematerial making up the suture.

SUMMARY

A system and method for affixing barbs on a suture are provided. In oneembodiment, the system includes a suture supply mechanism forselectively retaining a length of suture and a barb supply mechanism foroperably engaging a barb supply assembly including at least one barb. Atleast one of the suture supply mechanism and the barb supply mechanismare configured to approximate towards the other of the barb supplymechanism and suture supply mechanism to engage the at least one barb ofthe barb supply assembly with the suture of the suture supply assembly.The suture supply mechanism may include an anvil assembly for supportinga length of suture thereagainst. The anvil assembly may include an anvilfor supporting the length of suture. The suture supply mechanism may beconfigured to advance a suture relative to the anvil assembly. Thesuture supply mechanism may include a suture supply assembly forsupplying a length of a suture and a suture uptake assembly for takingup a length of the suture. The barb supply mechanism may include apusher assembly for engaging the at least one barb of the barb supplyassembly. The pusher assembly may include a pusher for engaging the atleast one barb of the barb supply assembly. The barb supply mechanismmay be configured to advance the barb supply assembly relative to thepusher assembly. Additionally, or in the alternative, the barb supplymechanism includes a sprocket for advancing the barb supply assemblyrelative to the pusher assembly.

Also provided is a barb configured for attachment to a suture. The barbincludes a base portion, a retaining portion extending in a firstdirection from the base portion and configured for securing engagementwith a suture, and a barb portion extending in a second direction fromthe base portion and configured for engaging tissue. The retainingportion may include one or more leg members. The one or more leg membersmay include at least a first anchor member. The first anchor member mayinclude one or more barbs or ridgea. The first leg member may include aplurality of anchor members. The plurality of anchor members mayalternate along the one or more leg members. The barb portion mayinclude a pointed, rounded or arcuate elongate portion. Additionallyprovided is a suture including at least one of the above describedbarbs.

A barbed suture is also provided. The barb suture includes an elongatebody including a multifilament structure and at least one barb includinga retaining portion securely affixed within the multifilament structure.The retaining portion includes one or more leg members. The one or moreleg members may include at least a first anchor member. The first anchormember may include one or more barbs or ridges. The one or more legmember may include a plurality of anchor members. The plurality ofanchor members may be spaced along the one or more leg members.Additionally, or in the alternative, the plurality of anchor members mayalternate along the one or more leg members. In one embodiment, themultifilament structure is braided.

Also provided is a barbed suture. The barbed suture includes an elongatebody and at least one barb. The at least one barb includes a baseportion, a retaining portion and a barb portion. The retaining portionsecurely affixes the at least one barb to the elongate body. Theelongate body may comprise a monofilament or multifilament structure.

Additionally provided is a method of affixing a barb to a suture. Themethod includes the steps of providing a barb supply assembly includingat least one barb having a retaining portion, aligning a suture with theretaining portion of the at least one barb, and advancing at least oneof the suture and barb towards the other of the barb and suture suchthat the retaining portion of the barb engages the suture. The retainingportion may include at least one leg member. The leg member may includeat least one anchor member for securing the barb to the suture. Thesuture may be multifilament.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the figures wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a barbed suture formedof a monofilament thread in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a barbed sutureformed of a multifilament braided thread in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2G are ends views of sutures having alternative cross-sectionalgeometries, including circular (FIG. 2A), elliptical (FIG. 2B), square(FIG. 2C), star-shaped (FIG. 2D), octagonal (FIG. 2E), rectangular (FIG.2F), and planar (FIG. 2G);

FIG. 3 is a top view of a barb according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3D are top views of barbs including anchor members according toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, including inclinedridges (FIG. 3A), harpoons (FIG. 3B), barbs (FIG. 3C) and horizontalridges (FIG. 3D);

FIG. 4 is a front end view of the barb of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a back end view of the barb of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of a barbed suture includingalternative embodiments of barb portions according to the presentdisclosure, including harpoon-shaped (FIG. 6A), rounded (FIG. 6B) andarcuate (FIG. 6C);

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of barbsupply assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a front view of another section of the barb supply assembly ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a back side view of the section of the barb supply assembly ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the barb supply assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a barb fixation system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top sectional view of the barb fixation system of FIG. 11,including a length of suture and a length of the barb supply assembly ofFIGS. 7-9, in an initial or loaded condition;

FIG. 13A is the top sectional view of FIG. 12 showing a first method ofaffixing a barb from the barb supply assembly with the suture;

FIG. 13B is the top sectional view of FIG. 12 showing a second method ofaffixing a barb from the barb supply assembly with the suture;

FIG. 13C is the top sectional view of FIG. 12 showing a third method ofaffixing a barb from the barb supply assembly with the suture;

FIG. 14 is the top sectional view of FIG. 12, post affixing of the barbto the suture;

FIG. 15A is a side view of a leg member of a barb according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15B is an end view of the leg member of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A is a side view of a leg member of a barb according to yetanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16B is an end view of the leg member of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17 is a top view of a barb according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a top view of a barb according to yet another embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 18 is a top view of a barb according to still another embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a system and method for forming a barbed suturehaving at least one barb affixed along the length thereof. Referring nowin detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals are appliedto like elements in the various views, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate alength of suture 10 having an elongate body 12 and a plurality of barbs20 affixed thereto. Suture 10 has a proximal end 10 a and distal end 10b. Either or both of proximal and distal ends 10 a, 10 b may include aneedle (not shown). As shown, barbs 20 are formed projecting outwardfrom elongate body 12 of suture 10 in a first direction, however, it isenvisioned that a first set of barbs 20 may project in a first directionalong a first portion of elongate body 12 and a second set of barbs 20may project in a second direction along a second portion of elongatebody 12, thereby forming a two-way or bidirectional barbed suture. Barbs20 form an angle “α” (FIG. 1A) of less than ninety degrees (90°) betweenbarbs 20 and elongate body 12.

As shown in FIG. 1A, suture 10 is formed of a monofilament thread. Withreference to FIG. 1B, as shown, suture 10 is formed of multifilamentthreads, e.g., a braided suture. As will become readily apparent fromthe following discussion, barbs 20 are particularly well suited for usewith multifilament sutures. The braiding may be done by any methodwithin the purview of those skilled in the art. Suture 10 mayalternatively be formed of multifilament surgical fibers. The filamentsand/or fibers used for forming suture 10 may be formed using anytechnique within the purview of those skilled in the art, such as, forexample, extrusion or molding. In some embodiments, the suture mayinclude a yarn made of more than one filament, which may containmultiple filaments of the same or different materials. Where suture 10is made of multiple filaments, suture 10 may be made using any knowntechnique such as, for example, braiding, weaving or knitting. Thefilaments may also be combined to produce a non-woven suture. Thefilaments themselves may be drawn, oriented, crinkled, twisted,commingled or air entangled to form yarns as part of the suture formingprocess.

Suture 10 may be formed of degradable materials, non-degradablematerials, or combinations thereof. More particularly, suture 10 may beformed of a degradable material selected from the group consisting ofpolyesters, polyorthoesters, polymer drugs, polydroxybutyrates,proteins, carbonates, homopolymers thereof, copolymers thereof, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, glycolide and lactide basedpolyesters, especially copolymers of glycolide and lactide, may beutilized to form suture 10.

Suitable non-degradable materials which may be utilized to form suture10 include polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene;copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, and blends of polyethyleneand polypropylene; polyamides (such as nylon); polyamines; polyimines;polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polytetrafluoroethylene;polyether-esters such as polybutester; polytetramethylene ether glycol;1,4-butanediol; polyurethanes; and combinations thereof. Thepolypropylene may be isotactic polypropylene or a mixture of isotacticand syndiotactic or atactic polypropylene.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, suture 10 is circular in cross-sectionalgeometry, however, the cross-sectional geometry of suture 10 may be ofany suitable shape. For example, with reference to FIGS. 2A-2G, thecross-sectional geometry of suture 10 may include, circular (FIG. 2A),elliptical (FIG. 2B), square (FIG. 2C), star-shaped (FIG. 2D), octagonal(FIG. 2E), rectangular (FIG. 2F), and planar (FIG. 2G).

With reference to FIGS. 3-5, barb 20 is shown prior to attachment toelongate body 12 of suture 10. Barb 20 includes a base portion 22, aretaining portion 24 extending in a first direction from base portion22, and a barb portion 26 extending in a second direction from baseportion 22. Base portion 22, retaining portion 24 and barb portion 26may be integrally formed or securely affixed to one another. Each ofbase portion 22, retaining portion 24 and barb portion 26 may be formedof the same or different material. The material forming base portion 22,retaining portion 24 and barb portion 26 may be the same and/ordifferent from the material forming suture 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 3-5, base portion 22 includes a base member 23.Base member 23 may be tapered, as shown, or may include any otherconfiguration suitable for facilitating passage through tissue as suture10 is received through tissue. Retaining portion 24 includes a pair ofleg members 30, 32 extending from base member 23 of base portion 22,however, in an alternative embodiment, retaining portion 24 may haveonly a single leg member, or may instead have three or more leg members.Leg members 30, 32 may be substantially similar in size and/orconfiguration, as shown, or may differ in size and/or configuration.Distal ends 30 b, 32 b of respective leg members 30, 32 each include ananchor member 31, 33.

Anchor members 31, 33 each include a leading edge 31 a, 33 a and atrailing edge 31 b, 33 b. Leading edges 31 a, 33 a of anchor members 31,33, respectively, are configured to facilitate penetration of legmembers 30, 32 into elongate body 12 of suture 10. Trailing edges 31 b,33 b of anchor members 31, 33, respectively, are configured tofacilitate fixation of leg members 30, 32 to elongate body 12 of suture10. As shown, anchor members 31, 33 form substantially hook-shapedmembers, however, alternatively shaped anchor members are envisioned,including, for example, inclined ridges (FIG. 3A), harpoons (FIG. 3B),barbs (FIG. 3C) and horizontal ridges (FIG. 3D). Although shown formedon distal ends 30 b, 32 b of leg members 30, 32, it is envisioned thatone or more anchor members 31, 33 may be formed along the length of legmembers 30, 32 (FIGS. 3A, 3C and 3D). Although described for use withmonofilament and multifilament sutures, leg members 30, 32 and anchormembers 31, 33 of barbs 20 are particularly well suited for receptionbetween and retention with the threads of a multifilament suture.

Referring still to FIGS. 3-5, leg members 30, 32 and/or anchor members31, 33 may include a coating (not shown) for facilitating the attachmentand/or securement of barb 20 to elongate body 12 of suture 10. In oneembodiment, leg members 30, 32 have a coating such as a lubricant forfacilitating penetration of leg members 30, 32 into elongate body 12 ofsuture 10. The coating may also, or instead, include an adhesive forfacilitating fixation of leg members 30, 32 or anchor members 31,33, toelongate body 12 of suture 10. The adhesive may be activated by heat,light, chemicals, exposure to air or fluids, or any other known means.Alternatively, the adhesive may include a material that activates uponcontact with suture 10.

With reference still to FIGS. 3-5, barb portion 26 of barb 20 defines anelongate member 27. As shown, elongate member 27 is axially aligned withbase portion 22 of barb 20. In an alternative embodiment, elongatemember 27 is axially offset or extends at an angle with respect to baseportion 22. Elongate member 27 may be substantially rectangular, asshown or may instead be pointed and/or tapered, e.g., harpoon-shaped(FIG. 6A), rounded (FIG. 6B), arcuate (FIG. 6C) or otherwise suitablyconfigured for engaging tissue to prevent retraction of suture 10through the tissue. When barb 20 is secured to suture 10 (FIG. 1A), barbportion 26 is configured to permit the passage of suture 10 throughtissue in a first direction and to prevent passage of suture 10 throughtissue in a second direction. Thus, once barb 20 is affixed to elongatebody 12 of suture 10, barb portion 26 is configured to operate in amanner similar to a barb that is cut or otherwise formed directly onelongate body 12 of suture 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, an assembly for supplying a pluralityof barbs 20 is shown generally as barb supply assembly 40. Supplyassembly 40 includes a carrier strip 42 and a plurality of barbs 20. Asshown, barbs 20 are secured to carrier strip 42 by support posts 44 a,44 b. Alternatively, barbs 20 may be directly secured to carrier strip42. As will be discussed in further detail below, support posts 44 a, 44b are configured to align barbs 20 with elongate body 12 of suture 10such that retaining portions 24 of barbs 20 may be affixed to elongatebody 12. Barbs 20 may be secured to support posts 44 a, 44 b in anymanner within the purview of one skilled in the art, including withadhesives, ultrasonic welding, mechanical fasteners or the like.Alternatively, carrier strip 42, support post 44 a, 44 b and barbs 20may be integrally formed in a mold or otherwise, to form a single unit.Support posts 44 a, 44 b may include a perforation or indentation 45 a,45 b providing a weakened portion for facilitating the separation ofbarb 20 from support posts 44 a, 44 b.

Still referring to FIGS. 7-10, carrier strip 42 includes an elongated,substantially planar member defining a plurality of openings 43.Openings 43 are configured to be selectively engaged by a barb supplymechanism 130 (FIG. 11). Although shown including openings 43 forengagement by barb supply mechanism 130, it is envisioned that carrierstrip 42 may be alternatively configured for engagement by barb supplymechanism 130. For example, carrier strip 42 may include slots and/orridges in place of opening 43 to facilitate engagement of barb supplymechanism 130 with carrier 42.

With reference now to FIG. 11, a system for affixing one or more barbs20 to elongate body 12 of suture 10 is shown generally as barb fixationsystem 100. Fixation system 100 includes a suture supply mechanism 110and barb supply mechanism 130. Suture supply mechanism 110 includes ananvil assembly 112, a suture supply assembly 114, and a suture uptakeassembly 116. Anvil assembly 112 includes an anvil 113 having a sutureengagement surface 113 a configured to support a length of suture 10.Suture engagement surface 113 a may be flat, as shown, or may instead becontoured to correspond with a cross-sectional profile of suture 10 formore securely supporting a length of suture 10. As will be discussed infurther detail below, anvil 113 may be configured for advancement andretraction relative to barb supply mechanism 130. Alternatively, or inaddition, suture supply mechanism 110, in its entirety, may beconfigured for advancement and retraction relative to barb supplymechanism 130. Suture supply mechanism 110 may also be configured forsuch that anvil assembly 112 may be raised and/or lowered relative tobarb supply mechanism 130 to align barb 20 with suture 10.

With reference still to FIG. 11, a pair of rollers 118 a, 118 b areconfigured to direct a length of suture 10 from suture supply assembly114, across suture engagement surface 113 a of anvil 113, to sutureuptake assembly 116. In one embodiment, suture supply and uptakeassemblies 114, 116 each include a spool for supplying and receivingsuture 10, respectively. Although the following disclosure will relateto barb fixation system 100 including suture supply mechanism 110, theaspects of the present disclosure may be modified for use with othermechanisms capable of selectively supplying suture 10 to an anvilassembly.

Still referring to FIG. 11, barb supply mechanism 130 includes a pusherassembly 132 and an advancement assembly 134. Pusher assembly 132includes a pusher 133 having a barb engagement portion 133 a. Barbengagement portion 133 a is configured to engage base portion 22 of barb20 (FIG. 3). Barb engagement portion 133 a may be flat, as show, or mayinstead be contoured to correspond with a cross-sectional profile ofbase portion 22 of barb 20. Pusher 133 may further include a knife (notshown) for separating barb 20 from support posts 44 a, 44 b of supplyassembly 40. The knife may be heated, ultrasonic vibrated or otherwisemanipulated to facilitate separation of barb 20 from support posts 44 a,44 b and/or carrier strip 42. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, pusher assembly 132 and/or pusher 133 may be configured toadvance and retract relative to suture supply mechanism 110.Alternatively, or in addition, barb supply mechanism 130, in itsentirety, may be configured for advancement and retraction relative tosuture supply mechanism 110.

With reference still to FIG. 11, advancement assembly 134 includes asprocket 135. Sprocket 135 defines a substantially circular memberincluding a plurality of teeth 135 a extending radially outwardtherefrom. Teeth 135 a are configured to be selectively received withinopenings 43 formed in carrier strip 42 of supply assembly 40 as sprocket133 is rotated about its central axis. Either or both of pusher assembly132 and advancement assembly 134 may be raised or lowered together orindependently to adjust the distance between assemblies 132, 134 and toadjust the position of assemblies 132, 134 relative to anvil assembly112 of suture supply assembly 110. Although the following disclosurewill relate to barb fixation system 100 including barb supply mechanism130, the aspects of the present disclosure may be modified for use withother mechanisms capable of selectively supplying barb 20 of barbassembly 40 relative to suture 10.

The use of barb fixation system 100 will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 11-14. Referring initially to FIG. 12, suture supply mechanism110 is loaded with a length of suture 10 to selectively position suture10 relative to barb supply mechanism 130. Specifically, a length ofsuture 10, provided from suture supply assembly 114 (FIG. 11), isreceived about roller 118 a, across suture engagement surface 113 a ofanvil 113, about roller 118 b and onto suture uptake assembly 116. Asdiscussed above, although shown including suture supply mechanism 110,barb fixation system 100 may include any mechanism capable ofselectively moving and retaining suture 10 relative to an anvil.

Still referring to FIG. 12, barb supply assembly 40 is loaded onto barbsupply mechanism 130. Specifically, teeth 135 a of sprocket 135 arereceived within openings 43 of carrier strip 42 of barb supply assembly40. Sprocket 135 is then rotated until a barb 20 of barb supply assembly40 is aligned with anvil assembly 112 of suture supply assembly 110.Pusher assembly 132 and advancement assembly 134 may then be raised orlowered to adjust the distance therebetween in order to align pusher 133of pusher assembly 132 with base portion 22 of barb 20. Pusher assembly132 and advancement assembly 134 may also be raised or lowered relativeto anvil assembly 112 to align retention portion 24 of barb 20 withelongate body 12 of suture 10. Alternatively, or in addition, suturesupply assembly 110 may be raised or lowered to align suture 10 withretention portion 24 of barb 20. As discussed above, although shownincluding barb supply mechanism 130, barb fixation system 100 mayinclude any mechanism capable of selectively moving barb supply assembly40 relative to suture supply mechanism 110.

Reference now to FIGS. 13A-13C, once retaining portion 24 of barb 20 isaligned with suture 10, either or both of suture supply mechanism 110and barb supply mechanism 130 may be activated to cause theapproximation of either or both of barb 20 and suture 10 relative to theother of barb 20 and suture 10. With reference to FIG. 13A, in oneembodiment, barb supply mechanism 130, in its entirety, is advancedrelative to suture supply mechanism 110, as indicated by arrows “A”, tocause the engagement of barb 20 with suture 10. Alternatively, suturesupply mechanism 110, in its entirety, is advanced relative to barbsupply mechanism 130, as indicated by arrows “B”, to cause theengagement of barb 20 with suture 10. In another embodiment, both suturesupply mechanism and barb supply mechanism, in their entirety, areadvanced relative to each other to cause the engagement of barb 20 withsuture 10. Turning to FIG. 13B, in another embodiment, pusher 133 ofpusher assembly 132 is advanced relative to sprocket 135 of advancementassembly 134 and relative to anvil 113 of anvil assembly 112, asindicated by arrow “C”, to cause the engagement of barb 20 with suture10. Turning to FIG. 13C, in yet another embodiment, anvil 113 of anvilassembly 112 is advanced relative to barb supply mechanism 130, asindicated by arrow “D”, to cause the engagement of barb 20 with suture10.

As discussed above, the engagement of barb 20 with suture 10 may beachieved using multiple methods. Regardless of which method is selectedto cause the engagement of barb 20 with suture 10, the distance traveledby the respective advancing component(s) may be based on user inputtaking into account any or all of, the distance between suture 10 andbarb 20, the thickness of suture 10 and the length of retaining portion24 of barb 20. Alternatively, the distance traveled by the respectiveadvancing component(s) may be controlled by one or more sensors includedin either or both of suture supply mechanism 110 and barb supplymechanism 130 for sensing a predetermined force between suture 10 andbarb 20.

As discussed above, pusher 113 may include a knife or other mechanism(not shown) for separating barb 20 from support posts 144 a, 144 b. Inone embodiment, advancement of pusher 113 relative to barb 20 shearsbarb 20 from support posts 144 a, 144 b. Alternatively, pusher assembly112 may include a heater or ultrasonic mechanism (not shown) for heatingor ultrasonically vibrating pusher 113 to facilitate separation of barb20 from support posts 144 a, 144 b. As also discussed above, leg members30, 32 (FIG. 3) of retaining portion 22 may including a coating whichmay require activation. Thus, prior to engagement of barb 20 with suture10, the coating on leg members 30, 32 must be activated. Alternatively,activation of the coating may occur after engagement of barb 20 withsuture 10.

With reference to FIG. 14, following engagement and affixation of barb20 with suture 10, whichever of the components that was advanced tocause the engagement of barb 20 with suture 10 is retracted to permitsubsequent attachment of barbs 20 with suture 10. Suture supply assembly110 may then be activated to advance suture 10 longitudinally, asindicated by arrow “E”, to align a subsequent portion of elongate body12 with anvil assembly 112. Barb supply assembly 130 may also beactivated to advance barb supply assembly 40 longitudinally, asindicated by arrow “F”, to align a subsequent barb 20 with pusherassembly 132. The barb fixation process may be repeated as necessary toprovide the desired configuration of barbs 20 on suture 10. In oneembodiment, suture supply assembly 110 is configured to twist or rotatesuture 10 along the length thereof to axially offset subsequentlyaffixed barbs 20.

With reference now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, leg member 230 includes ananchor member 231 according to an alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown, leg member 231 defines a substantially rectangularbody. Anchor member 231 includes a leading edge 231 a and a pair oftrailing edges 231 b. Anchor member 231 is configured for more secureengagement with suture 10.

Turning to FIGS. 16A and 16B, leg member 330 includes an anchor member331 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown,leg member 331 defines a substantially elliptical body. Anchor member331 defines a substantially elliptical member having a leading point 331a and a trailing edge 331 b extending thereabout.

With reference now to FIGS. 17-19, alternative embodiments of barbsaccording to the present disclosure are shown generally as barbs 420,520, 620. Barbs 420, 520, 620 are substantially similar to barb 20described hereinabove, and will only be described as relates to thedifferences therebetween. With reference to FIG. 17, barb 420 includes abase portion 422, a retaining portion 424 extending from base portion422 and a barb portion 426 extending from base 422. Each of leg members430, 432 extend from base portion 422 and away from each other. Althoughshown including both leg members 430, 432 extending outward, away fromone another, it is envisioned that only one of leg members 430, 432 mayextend away from the other leg member 430, 432. Barb portion 426 of barb420 may include an elongate member 427 having a split or double pointedend 427 a configured to more secure engage tissue.

With reference now to FIG. 18, barb 520 includes a retaining portion 524extending from a base portion 522 and including a pair of leg members530, 532 extending from base portion 522 and towards each other.Although shown including both leg members 530, 532 extending towards theother, it is envisioned that only one of leg members 530, 532 may extendtowards the other leg member 530, 532. Leg members 530, 532 each includea pair of anchor members 531, 533 formed along the length thereof tofacilitate securement of barb 520 with suture 10 (FIG. 1A). Barb 520further includes a barb portion 526. Barb portion 526 includes a taperedelongate member 527. With reference now to FIG. 19, barb 620 includes abase 622, a retaining portion 624 and a barb portion 626. Retainingportion 624 includes three leg members 630, 632, 634 for more securelyaffixing barb 620 with suture 10 (FIG. 1A).

While the above description contains many specifics embodiments, theseembodiments should not be construed as limitations on the scope of thedisclosure, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments thereof. Thoseskilled in the art will envision many other possibilities within thescope and spirit of the disclosure as defined by the claims appendedhereto. For example, the barb fixation system may include multiple anvilassemblies and multiple barb supply mechanism for simultaneouslyaffixing multiple barbs to the elongate body of the suture. It is alsoenvisioned that the barbs may be affixed to the suture at an anglerelative to the elongate body of the suture rather than, as shown,aligned with the elongate body of the suture.

1. A barb comprising: a base portion; a retaining portion extending in afirst direction from the base portion and configured for securingengagement with a suture; and a barb portion extending in a seconddirection from the base portion and configured for engaging tissue. 2.The barb of claim 1, wherein the retaining portion includes at least afirst leg member.
 3. The barb of claim 1, wherein the retaining portionincludes a plurality of leg members.
 4. The barb of claim 2, wherein theat least first leg member includes at least a first anchor member. 5.The barb of claim 4, wherein in the at least first anchor memberincludes one or more barbs or ridges.
 6. The barb of claim 2, whereinthe at least first leg member includes a plurality of anchor members. 7.The barb of claim 6, wherein the plurality of anchor members alternatealong the at least first leg member.
 8. The barb of claim 1, wherein thebarb portion includes a pointed, rounded or arcuate elongate portion. 9.A barbed suture comprising at least one barb according to claim
 1. 10. Abarbed suture comprising: an elongate body including a multifilamentstructure; and at least one barb including a retaining portion securelyaffixed within the multifilament structure.
 11. The barbed suture ofclaim 10, wherein the retaining portion includes at least a first legmember.
 12. The barbed suture of claim 10, wherein the at least firstleg member includes at least a first anchor member.
 13. The barbedsuture of claim 12, wherein the at least first anchor member includesone or more barbs or ridges.
 14. The barbed suture of claim 10, whereinthe at least first leg member includes a plurality of anchor members.15. The barbed suture of claim 14, wherein the plurality of anchormembers are spaced along the at least first leg member.
 16. The barbedsuture of claim 14, wherein the plurality of anchor members alternatealong the at least first leg member.
 17. The barbed suture according toclaim 10, wherein the multifilament structure is braided.
 18. A barbedsuture comprising: an elongate body; and at least one barb including abase portion, a retaining portion, and a barb portion, wherein theretaining portion securely affixes the at least one barb to the elongatebody.
 19. The barbed suture of claim 18, wherein the elongate bodycomprises a monofilament or a multifilament structure.